This incredible Star Wars story envisions Asajj Ventress as Luke Skywalker’s Padawan. Star Wars has always been a generational saga; and yet, for all that’s the case, the true tragedy of the Skywalker family lies in the fact the generations seldom interact. Padmé died in childbirth, Anakin was redeemed only moments before his death, and even Luke only got to spend a little time with his protégé, Rey. Given this context, it’s perhaps no surprise some of the most-read AO3 Star Wars fanfictions involve time travel.

“Old Man Luke,” by Scarlet Jedi, is perhaps one of the best examples. It features Luke and Leia transported back into the Clone Wars, where they naturally soon earn the attention of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. What is most fascinating, though, is that the changes they make to the timeline result in a massive change for Sith assassin Asajj Ventress – who soon becomes Luke’s unlikely Padawan.

What Asajj Ventress’ Redemption Means For Star Wars

The Sith assassin Asajj Ventress is no stranger to redemption stories, of course; she was redeemed in canon, even seen wielding unusual yellow lightsabers in Star Wars: The Bad Batch. But the redemption in this story is subtly different, in that it flows not from an intimate relationship but just from Luke Skywalker’s belief she could be redeemed. Star Wars canon has forgotten how remarkable a faith in redemption really is, because one who believes the best in others can bring about that best in the most unlikely people.

Related 10 Most Read Star Wars Fanfictions On AO3 (SFW) The Star Wars fandom is one of the most prolific when it comes to fanfiction. Here are their most read stories on the site Archive of Our Own (AO3).

In the old Star Wars Expanded Universe, Luke Skywalker was essentially the great redeemer – the one who saw hope where others saw despair. “Old Man Luke” feels like some of those best Legends stories, with a vision of Luke as one who can redirect the course of a person’s life with just a few well-chosen, optimistic words. It’s wonderful to see Luke Skywalker through that light once again.

Our Take On Luke Skywalker’s Destiny

Star Wars canon took Luke in a very different direction, of course, with the Jedi Master’s optimism shattered when he sensed darkness within his nephew, Ben. This scene has inspired a firestorm of debate in the fandom, with many insisting it’s completely out-of-character for Luke. I don’t entirely agree; it’s in-character, in my view, because such redemptive hope is a rare thing, and even Luke’s light can fail. The true tragedy, though, lies in Luke falling to defeat and despair for years.

“Old Man Luke” doesn’t read like a critique of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Rather, it’s simply a love letter to the various characters of Star Wars, a celebration of them at their best. Star Wars will never embrace true time travel – the World Between Worlds is the closest it will go – but tremendous fictions are the next best thing. This is truly a story that should not be missed.

Source: AO3